Beyond the Like Button: Incorporating Social Identity Theory into Design

Widespread use of the Internet has led to the expectation that users will be able to engage with their peers regardless of the experience. Because of this, design teams are constantly pushed to include social aspects into their products. However, effectively incorporating social aspects into an experience isn’t as simple as slapping a “Like” button on each page. Successfully designing a usable and influential social experience requires thoughtfulness and a conscious effort.

Social Identity Theory provides a framework for designers to thoughtfully incorporate elements of social influence into their designs. This session will define and discuss key elements of Social Identity Theory, giving relevant examples of how they can be accounted for in digital design. The session will conclude with a facilitated discussion on moving beyond the “Like” button when designing for online social interaction.

You will learn:

Key components of Social Identity Theory

How these components can be accounted for in digital design

Questions that should be asked when incorporating any type of social experience into design

Steps for moving forward with designing a digital social experience within a product

Where to locate additional resources on the topics of Social Identity Theory and social influence

What your peers think of moving beyond the “Like” button in creating online social interactions